19 August 2023 , 13:10
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We all know it's important to clean bedding regularly - and routinely debate how long sheets can last without a wash. But do you know how often you ought to clean your mattress? Or how best to tackle the job? If the answer is a firm 'no', then fear not, as an expert has revealed all.
According to Kora Habinakova, a sleep expert at Sleepseeker, it's recommended to give your mattress a deep clean twice a year, with more regular cleans in between. "A well-kept mattress is fundamental for a good quality of life, and as such, taking good care of it is vital for increasing its lifespan and improving our quality of sleep.
"It's recommended that you deep clean your mattress around twice a year and regularly give it a quick clean to prevent odours, long-lasting stains and keep it in generally good condition," she explained.
Thankfully, it's not the mammoth task you might expect. "Cleaning your mattress can be easily incorporated into your cleaning routine by tackling it whilst the sheets are in the wash or the dryer. This involves quickly vacuuming over the bare mattress, collecting any dust and crumbs that may have collected there and then spot-cleaning stains or spills using a mild soap and water mixture," the pro advised. Although, in an ideal world, you'd treat stains as soon as they appear. "Ideally, you should spot-clean stains as and when they appear as they tend to be easier to clean when still wet and this can prevent any long-lasting damage to the mattress."
It's well worth the effort, as regularly cleaning your mattress "can save you both time and money as it will increase its overall lifespan." Convincing, right? So you'll be glad to hear the Sleepseeker also shared a step-by-step guide for deep cleaning.
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"It's best to deep clean your mattress in the morning, to allow time for it to dry before bedtime. Make sure to open your windows to allow air to circulate and decrease the drying time. It is best to do this in the warmer months when your windows can be left open," the pros said.
The pros also said your vacuum cleaner is your friend when it comes to removing dust, crumbs, or dirt that's crept under the sheets. Next, locate any food or drink stains you might have missed, as it is time to spot-clean. "Create a mild soap and water mixture and gently dab this into the stains using a clean cloth. You can also use a mattress-specific cleaner. Make sure not to rub the stain as this can make it worse," the experts advised.
Alternatively, you may find you need to use some trusty baking soda. "We recommend mixing two tablespoons of baking soda and a teaspoon of washing-up liquid in a bowl with warm water. The same as with spot cleaning, gently dab the mixture over the stained area. Leave this for around 30 minutes and re-dab the spot with a clean wet cloth. Allow this to dry before moving on to the next step."
Last but not least, Sleepseeker recommends tackling any odours, again with baking soda. "Sprinkle a dash of baking soda over the now-dry mattress to deodorise it. Allow this to rest for as long as you can (a couple of hours will suffice) and then re-vacuum the mattress to absorb any odour." The pros added: "If your mattress has any strange odours or several patchy, permanent stains you should consider purchasing a new one. These are signs of possible dust mites and bacteria on your mattress which can be the cause of exacerbated asthma symptoms and allergic reactions."